E. coli has its benefits

WASHINGTON — Escherichia coli – E. coli for short – is often identified as a bacterium that contributes to food borne illness. But research led by a RiceUniversity scientist has discovered ways to use a safe, non-pathogenic E. coli to convert glycerine into high value fuels and chemicals, according to a press release.

Dr. Gonzalez and his team of researchers identified the metabolic processes and conditions that allow a known strain of E. coli to convert glycerine into ethanol, the release noted.

According to the release, Gonzalez''s team created a new version of the bacterium that produces up to 100 times more succinate, a high-demand chemical feedstock that’s used to make everything from noncorrosive airport deicers and nontoxic solvents to plastics, drugs and food additives.